2005–10: Early work and Tyler Perry's House of Payne
McClain was discovered in 2005 by a music executive who heard her sing and encouraged director Rob Hardy to audition her for his 2005 feature film The Gospel alongside Boris Kodjoe and Idris Elba. Her role caught the attention of Tyler Perry, who cast her as Jazmine Payne in the television series Tyler Perry's House of Payne.
She appears in the movie Daddy's Little Girls. Her real sisters, Sierra and Lauryn, play her older sisters in the film. Her father, Michael McClain, is a music producer. Her mother, Shontell, is a songwriter. McClain appeared in and guest starred in various other shows and movies such as Hannah Montana, NCIS and the 2009 film Hurricane Season. She also appeared in the movie Grown Ups as Charlotte McKenzie. In the same year, she landed a recurring role as Kiara on Jonas L.A. and was featured on the soundtrack
2011–present: A.N.T. Farm and music career
McClain appeared on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place in 2011 as Tina in the two-part episode "Wizards vs. Angels". She plays an angel. In 2011, McClain was cast as the lead role in the Disney Channel series A.N.T. Farm along with Sierra McCormick, Jake Short, Carlon Jeffery, and Stefanie Scott. For the show, McClain recorded a cover of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite". She also sings the series theme song, "Exceptional". China Anne's first music video, for "Dynamite", premiered on July 23, 2011 on the Disney Channel. After less than a week, more than 1 million views on youtube.com were reported. She has appeared in an episode of PrankStars.
As of June 14, 2011, McClain was signed with Hollywood Records.
The A.N.T. Farm soundtrack is to be released on October 18, 2011, featuring China Anne's version of 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz
China Anne McClain was born in Atlanta, Georgia where she also goes to school. Both of her sisters also act. She enjoys reading. The Hunger Games and the Twilight series are among her favorites. along with the Percy Jackson series. She enjoys listening to music by Plies.
Poor Unfortunate Souls
China Anne McClain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They weren't kidding when they called me
Well, a witch?
But you′ll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light
And made a switch
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don′t laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying: "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes, I do
Now it′s happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I′m afraid
I had to rake 'em ′cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I′ve been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying: "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes, I do
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
Yes, on land it's much preferred
For ladies not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?
They′re not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a lady who′s withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue
Come on, girl!
Poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead!
Make your choice
I′m a very busy woman
And I haven't got all day
It won′t cost much
Just your voice!
Poor unfortunate soul
It's sad, but true
If you want to cross the bridge
You′ve got to pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead
Come on, girl!
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Come on, girl!
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying: "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes I do
The song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" by China Anne McClain is a cover version of the original song from the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid. The song is sung by the villain, Ursula, who is a sea witch. The song is essentially a sales pitch by Ursula to Ariel, the Little Mermaid, who is willing to give anything to become human and win the heart of Prince Eric. Ursula promises to make her human, but in exchange demands her beautiful singing voice. Ursula is aware that Ariel only has three days to make Prince Eric fall in love with her, and she uses this as an opportunity to create a contract with Ariel, manipulating her vulnerable state.
The first verse of the song begins with Ursula admitting that she has been a nasty witch. Ursula has a reputation for being malicious and cunning, and the villagers call her a witch due to her behaviour. In the second verse, Ursula says that she has changed and she now uses her magic to help people who are miserable, lonely and depressed. The chorus of the song talks about how the unfortunate souls come to her in need of help, and Ursula always helps them, whether it's making them thinner, helping them get a girl, or solving any other problems they have. The bridge talks about how men do not like women who talk too much, and women should hold their tongues. Ursula uses this as an opportunity to once again manipulate Ariel by telling her that once she becomes human, she will have much more to worry about than her voice. The song ends with Ursula taking Ariel's voice and telling her that if she wants to get what she wants, she has to pay the price.
* "Poor Unfortunate Souls" was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman for the original Little Mermaid movie in 1989.
* The song was performed by Pat Carroll, who is an American actress and voice-over artist.
* In the original version of the song, the line "Now I've got her, boys" was changed to "Now I've got her, son of a b..." in some versions of the song.
* The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1990 but lost to "Under the Sea," another song from The Little Mermaid.
* The song has been covered by many artists since its release, including China Anne McClain, Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel), and even rapper and actor Busta Rhymes.
* In 2006, the Disney Cruise Line began offering a musical production of The Little Mermaid, which included a version of "Poor Unfortunate Souls."
* The song has become a popular choice for drag queen performances and is often featured on the show RuPaul's Drag Race.
* The song was included in the soundtrack of the video game Just Dance 2014.
* The song has been covered by several notable artists, including Jessica Simpson, Jonas Brothers and Sia.
* In the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which is currently in production, Ursula will be played by Melissa McCarthy.
The chords for "Poor Unfortunate Souls" are as follows:
Verse: Dm, G, C
Chorus: Dm, Bb, C, A, Dm, Bb, C, A, Dm, G, C
Bridge: F, G, C, A, Dm, G, C
Line by Line Meaning
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
I confess that earlier, I used to be unkind and bitter.
They weren't kidding when they called me
They were not joking when they referred to me as
Well, a witch?
Well, the word 'witch' is appropriate?
But you'll find that nowadays
But presently you will notice that
I've mended all my ways
I have corrected all my flaws
Repented, seen the light
I feel remorseful and have better understanding
And made a switch
And changed my actions
And I fortunately know a little magic
By good luck, I can practice magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
It is a natural ability that I have always had
And here lately, please don't laugh
And lately, I have been doing something amusing
I use it on behalf
I use it on behalf of others
Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed
Of those who are unhappy, isolated, and dejected
Poor unfortunate souls
These sad individuals
In pain, in need
Are in distress and require assistance
This one longing to be thinner
One of them wants to be slim
That one wants to get the girl
Another one wants to woo someone
And do I help them?
And, do I provide aid to them?
Yes, indeed
Certainly, I do
So sad, so true
So unfortunate, but so accurate
They come flocking to my cauldron
They come seeking my cauldron
Crying: 'Spells, Ursula, please!'
And they shout: 'Enchanted phrases, Ursula, please!''
Now it's happened once or twice
Now, one or two instances have occurred
Someone couldn't pay the price
When someone could not pay the expense
And I'm afraid
And, I am sorry to say
I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
I had to scold them harshly
Yes I've had the odd complaint
Yes, I have had a rare criticism
But on the whole I've been a saint
But generally, I have been kind
To those poor unfortunate souls
To those pitiable individuals
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
The men up there do not enjoy gossip
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
They consider a girl who gossips tedious
Yes, on land it's much preferred
On land, it is much desirable
For ladies not to say a word
For ladies to remain silent
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?
And, after all, what is the point of meaningless talk?
They're not all that impressed with conversation
They are not significantly influenced by dialogue
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
Gentlemen usually evade it
But they dote and swoon and fawn
But they are overly attentive and admiring
On a lady who's withdrawn
Toward a reserved lady
It's she who holds her tongue
It is she who does not speak
Go ahead!
Proceed!
Make your choice
Choose for yourself
I'm a very busy woman
I am an extremely occupied woman
And I haven't got all day
And I do not have an entire day
It won't cost much
It will not be expensive
Just your voice!
Merely, your voice!
It's sad, but true
It is unfortunate, but it is factual
If you want to cross the bridge
If you want to achieve the objective
You've got to pay the toll
You must pay the fee
Take a gulp and take a breath
Swallow hard and inhale
And go ahead
And continue
Come on, girl!
Hurry up, lady!
Writer(s): Alan Menken, Howard Ashman
Contributed by Isabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@iheartmoon
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light and made a switch
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, lonely and depressed
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, Spells, please!
And I help them?
Yes, I do
Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes, I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, Spells, please!
And I help them?
Yes, I do
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
Yes, on land it's much preferred
For ladies not to say a word
And after all, dear, what is idle prattle for?
They're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a lady who's withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue who gets her man
Come on, you poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead!
Make your choice!
I'm a very busy woman
And I haven't got all day
It won't cost much
Just your voice!
Poor unfortunate soul
It's sad, but true
If you want to cross a bridge
You've got to pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead come on
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, Spells, please!
And I help them?
Yes, I do
@evelinnagy1059
They should do all the other kids singing their parents' songs, or just songs from their parents' movies.
E.G:
Mal/ Audrey: Once Upon a Dream
Evie/ Doug: I'm Wishing or With a Smile and a Song or Whistle While You Work
Carlos: Cruella de Vil
Jay: One Jump Ahead
Ben: Belle or Tale As Old As Time (they already have Be Our Guest)
Harry: The Elegant Captain Hook
Gil: Gaston
Lonnie: Reflections or I'll make a Man Out of You
Dizzy/ Chad: A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes or Cinderelly
@miminwoha923
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays, I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don't laugh, I use it on behalf
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(In pain, in need)
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(So sad, so true)
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes I do
Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid
I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(In pain, in need)
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(So sad, so true)
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes, I do
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
Yes, on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?
They're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a lady who's withdrawn
(It's she who holds her tongue)
(Come on!)
(Poor unfortunate soul)
(Go ahead! Make your choice)
I'm a very busy woman
And I haven't got all day
It won't cost much
Just your voice
(Poor unfortunate soul)
(It's sad [So sad], but true)
If you want to cross the bridge
You've got to pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead
(Come on!)
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(In pain, in need)
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
(Come on!)
(Poor unfortunate souls)
(In pain, in need)
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them
Yes I do (Yes I do)
(Ha ha!)
@nympherbella5572
Roll
"Poor Unfortunate Souls"
1. Uma
"In Pain"
2. Mal
"In Need."
3. Harry **
"So sad."
"So sad." 4. Evie
5. Jay "They come up to my cauldron crying-"
"Spells Uma please!" 6. Carlos
7. "Poor Unfortunate Souls" Lonnie
8. Audrey
9. Jane
0. PICK YOU POOR UNFORTUNATE SOUL!
@rebekahsmith326
Never thought I would ever hear a rap version of this song.
It's catchy.
@joanfarnsworth2500
IKR!!!!!
@alinacarrillo9549
Ikr
@stephaniea6052
TBH!!!
@Eli_bigjuicyoilyballs
Ikr
@pliomu_2047
agreed
@asisragca4769
YAY FINALLY THE DAUGHTER OF URSULA FINALLY SANG HER SONG!!
@kristinonline4647
Cookie rainbow like that twi pusheen💛
@BlackFire-xd3nt
Cookie rainbow jus like Ben
@georgekourv4718
Kjii